Phylogica Ltd will see its skin repair Phylomer peptide, PYC35, used in cosmetic products by Le Métier de Beauté in the US, UK and Hong Kong markets.
The Australian peptide drug discovery company licensed PYC35 to Le Métier de Beauté, which will incorporate it in its premium range of anti-ageing creams, Peau Vierge. The range will be commercialised initially through US department stores including Neiman Marcus, Bergdorf Goodman and Nordstrom.
PYC35 comes from the genome of the thermophilic microorganism Pyrococcus horikoshii, which dates back billions of years and is known to thrive in undersea volcanic vents, under extreme pressure and temperature. As a result, the peptide reflects some of these characteristics and, in preclinical models of dermal wounds, UV radiation damage and severe skin burns, PYC35 showed ‘potent skin repair activity’.
Le Métier’s chief executive officer Richard Blanch said: “Le Métier de Beauté is very excited to license PYC35 from Phylogica. There is genuine demand from our client base and retail partners for products that can prevent scars and repair skin from the sources of damage such as UV exposure.”